The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has released a second report
into Crossrail following the National Audit Office’s (NAO) Value
for Money report into the project.
The PAC report has made a number of observations which mirror
the London Assembly Transport
Committee report ‘Derailed: Getting
Crossrail back on track’ :
- The
overly optimistic culture of Crossrail which fixated on the
December 2018 opening date
- The
high cost of renumeration packages for Crossrail executives
despite failings within the project
-
Questions over the governance model: Crossrail has had too much
autonomy.
In response, Deputy Chair of the London Assembly
Transport Committee, MBE AM said:
“This report is another damning indictment for all
stakeholders involved in Crossrail.
“Yet another scrutiny body has echoed the same failings we
found. It demands the question why Crossrail and Transport for
London were so unaware of the stark failings of the project.
“These failings are ultimately the cause of an increased cost
to the public purse and the project being delayed.
“Despite the perilous financial situation and ongoing project
issues, it is utterly dismaying to know Crossrail executives were
still being paid huge bonuses. Our report recommended Crossrail
revisit the renumeration of chief executives but most
importantly, to make sure the right people with the right skills
are in the right jobs.
“Crossrail is a monumental project and will be a great asset
to passengers once it is launched. However, lessons must be
learnt urgently in order to finish the project and to set a new
precedent for future major infrastructure projects.”
Notes for Editors:
- The report ‘Derailed: Getting Crossrail back on
track’ can be read here.
-
Correspondence between
the Transport Committee, the FCA and the Mayor.
